Schizophrenia

The main goal of this class is to gain an introductory exposure to the nature of the psychiatric disorder known as schizophrenia as revealed by the scientific method. We will discuss a broad range of findings from the scientific investigation of biological and psychological factors related to schizophrenia and its treatment. More specifically we will learn about: (1) key symptomatic features through discussion and enactments of interviews with actors portraying many of the cardinal features of the illness, (2) what brain imaging studies (MRI and fMRI) and neurochemistry have taught us about the neuroscience of the disorder, (3) scientific psychological data and theories concerning cognition, emotion and behavior in schizophrenia, and (4) current, evidence-based somatic and psychosocial approaches to treatment. A brief historical overview of the recent emergence of the psychiatric category of schizophrenia will be presented as well.

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Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
An Introduction to the Disorder
Week 2
Symptom Assessment and History
Week 3
Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging
Week 4
Psychological Science
Week 5
Intervention

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

I am experiencing psychotic symptoms described in this course. Is this course a place to seek and receive help?

No. This course engages with the scientific research literature and the history of our understanding of the psychiatric disorder labelled schizophrenia. Instead we suggest that you contact your local mental health agency, or if you are in the US your state association for psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses or social workers. They can often provide you with a list of resources, sometimes at no cost, for receiving the help that you need. For more urgent needs you should contact a local crisis hotline, visit an emergency room, or in the US dial 911 and ask for assistance. Course postings are not monitored for reported psychiatric symptoms in course learners and are not to be used to report such symptoms.

Does the verified certificate mean that I am certified to render help to those with schizophrenia?

No, the verified certificate means that you have successfully completed this course by achieving the course learning objectives. Expertise in treating the disorder is derived through completion of accredited medical, nursing, psychologist or social work training programs with a focus on diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Does this course contain anything disturbing?

The subject matter of the course will expose you to how psychotic symptoms, sometimes severe, may be expressed in individuals. Observing these symptoms (enacted by acting students) may be disturbing.

Reviews

This course wonderfull with respect to the comprehensive information included, the excellent explanations of difficult concepts and the manner of presentation. Congratulations Prof. Matt.

i loved how accurate and precise and smooth this course was. very happy to have attended this. it really taught me all that i wanted to know and more. the demonstrations were also excellent.

It has been a wonderful learning for me in detail about a topic where it has touched more than the basics. Wonderful course for the people suffering from it and the caregivers.

very informative would definitely recommend to anyone with a relatively detailed knowledge of psychology and neuroscience and who are looking into mental health - great course